Pasta & Veggies

9 oz mini penne pasta (or pasta of choice)

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

1 small red onion, sliced or diced

1 bell pepper, sliced or diced (mix of red, green, orange)

1 Roma tomato, chopped

¼ cup green peas (frozen, thawed)

1 tbsp garlic, minced

Sauce

2 tbsp tomato paste

1½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half, cashew cream for vegan option)

½ cup parmesan cheese or Parmigiano Reggiano, freshly grated

1 tsp parsley, dried or fresh, for garnish

Spices

1½–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (homemade or store-bought, adjust to taste)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp paprika (smoked paprika or chili powder optional)

½ tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)

¼ tsp black pepper

¼–½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

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Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to boil with 2 tsp salt. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
Sauté Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 2–3 minutes until onions soften. Add garlic and peas; cook 2 minutes more until fragrant.
Build Sauce
Turn heat to medium-low. Stir in Cajun seasoning, paprika, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute, then deglaze with ¼ cup water or reserved pasta water.
Add Cream and Cheese
Pour in cream and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to simmer. Add cheese gradually, stirring until sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Combine Pasta and Veggies
Add chopped tomatoes and cooked pasta. Toss to coat pasta evenly with the sauce. Cook 2–3 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve
Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately.

Adjust Spice: Increase or decrease Cajun seasoning, paprika, or chili flakes depending on desired heat.
Cream Options: Use heavy cream for richness, half-and-half for lighter creaminess, or cashew cream for a vegan alternative.
Sauce Consistency: Add more cream for a looser sauce or more cheese for a thicker sauce. Sauce thickens as it cools.
Vegetable Variations: Add spinach, kale, broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, green beans, or cherry tomatoes to enhance flavor and nutrition.
Protein Additions: For extra protein, add tofu, canned chickpeas, vegan sausage, edamame, or traditional options like chicken or shrimp.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk, cream, or broth to restore creaminess.